The multi-national company said yesterday the expansion project was expected to be completed by mid-2014.

Tenders have been called from contractors to perform the work, which The Standard understands will be on the store’s northern side facing Lava Street.

“We have decided to expand our Warrnambool store to provide our customers with an even better shopping experience, with improved access to Aldi’s products,” a company spokeswoman said.

“Aldi  is continuing to investigate opportunities for a second store in Warrnambool, however, no site has been confirmed as yet.”

The company had previously expressed an interest in the Homemaker Centre, but was frustrated by planning guidelines and appeals by  major supermarket operators.